Really Right Stuff TVC-34LTripod and BH-55 LR Ball Head Review

[btaylor]

Honestly Rocco it's one of the better investments I've made (in terms of photography anyway). It's a pleasure to use something so well made. Makes using a tripod much less of a chore.

[btaylor]

Bob feel free to live your tripodding dreams vicariously through me until you get one yourself. I did have to wait a couple of weeks for mine to arrive as I got it soon after its release, so there was a bit of a back order. Worth the wait though

[Jonathan Huyer]

I'm a Really big fan of Really Right Stuff, and this review was what got me going towards putting in an order for the TVC-34L. They told me that it was on backorder, but amazingly it came in just two days (!). Out of the box, I'm Really impressed with it. Rock solid (of course), and easy to operate. It's also lighter than I expected (but still a tad hefty). The twist-locks are huge and the angle locks for the legs are very easy to get at. I think it's going to be terrific for cold weather shooting (which is 8 months of the year, up here). The foot pods are securely mounted to the legs, unlike on my Gitzo tripod where they come off way too easily. I love the huge height and I am very happy to be rid of the centre column. I also purchased the leveling base, which is a brilliant accessory. Here's a link to the description:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...latform&key=it
I might end up replacing the handle on this base for the one that includes the hook... I'll have to see how that goes.

Thanks Ben for your review... I might not say that when my credit card bill arrives but I will definitely say it now!

[bob williams]

Congrats Jonathon---My guess is that you are really going to like that tripod---I have been drooling over it for quite some time---When you have a chance to run it through a work out, be sure and let us know what you think.

Bob

[btaylor]

Good stuff Jonathan. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I've been looking at the levelling base myself, might go for one at some stage too.

[Jonathan Huyer]

Yes my first impressions are still very good. I have the ballhead on right now, and the leveling base isn't all that necessary with it. But I also got the PG-02 Pano-Gimbal head, and I'm expecting the leveling base to work very well with that. Just waiting patiently for the 500 f/4 to arrive (this year I hope...), and I'll be ready to give it a Really good test.